Electronic visa-on-arrival (E-VOA)

Citizens of several countries can apply for an electronic visa-on-arrival (E-VOA). Check eligibility and apply via the e-visa website for Indonesia

The application should be completed within 14 days prior to arrival. The E-VOA is valid for 30 days, single-entry, and can be extended one time only at the local immigration office (charges apply).

On arrival in Indonesia, holders of an E-VOA can skip the queue for purchasing a VOA (visa-on-arrival) and proceed directly to the immigration counter to have their passport stamped.

Visa-on-arrival (VOA)

Alternatively, some nationals can apply for a visa-on-arrival (VOA). See the list of eligible countries here

The cost for VOA is IDR 500,000 per person (applicable to adults and children). VOA is valid for 30 days, single entry, and can be extended one time only at the local immigration office (charges apply).

Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, debit card, local currency (IDR) or foreign currency (USD, EURO, GBP, SGD and other currencies as determined by the exchange counter inside the airport terminal).

Electronic customs declaration (ECD)

All travellers are required to complete a customs declaration form prior to arrival. Computer terminals are available at the main airports, however we recommend completing the form in advance at: https://ecd.beacukai.go.id

Once completed, travellers will receive a QR code which they must present to immigration within three days.

SATUSEHAT Health Pass

After completing the form, arrivals will receive a barcode containing their health and travel information. Travellers should save a copy of the barcode to be scanned at airport arrival gates. We recommend completion of the form before boarding a flight to ensure a smoother entry.

In addition, body temperature checks will be conducted upon arrival and if a traveller’s temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees Celsius they will be subject to further health screening.

Bali tourist entry fee

All foreign visitors to Bali are required to pay a tourist entry fee of IDR 150,000 per person. Children are charged at the same rate. The payment will be collected in cash or by credit card on arrival. This fee was introduced in February 2024 and is payable in addition to any visa fees.

Documents required on arrival

• Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages;
• Return flight ticket;
• E-VOA or VOA; for VOA, the visa fee of IDR 500,000 per person is payable in cash or by credit card;
• If arriving in Bali, the tourist entry fee of IDR 150,000 per person is payable in cash or by credit card;
• QR code of completed electronic customs declaration (ECD).

Visa-free

• Several nationals can stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa, including most EU member countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• ASEAN nationals except Myanmar can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.

E-visa

Travellers that require a visa can submit an application for an e-visa online or contact the nearest Malaysian consulate. For up-to-date details and requirements, visit the website of Malaysia’s Immigration Department.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

All travellers are required to submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days prior to arriving in Malaysia. The form can be completed via the MDAC online portal. A printed copy of the completed form must be presented at the immigration counter upon arrival.

Documents required on arrival

• Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages;
• Printed copy of Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).

Time zone

Language

Official language: Bahasa Indonesia in Kalimantan and Bahasa Malaysia in Malaysian Borneo

Many people, especially in the major tourist destinations, speak good English and can engage in basic communication with tourists.

What to pack

• Light cotton clothing is recommended for Borneo’s tropical climate;
• Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide);
• Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos;
• A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season;
• Thermal clothing is recommended if visiting Mount Kinabalu;
• Please note the following items of clothing are prohibited when visiting religious sites: shorts, short skirts, singlets or vest tops or similar types of clothing;
• Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious building or private home;
• An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain;
• Reusable water bottle;
• Sun hat and sunscreen;
• Insect repellent;
• Universal plug adaptor.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Malaysia is 240V (50Hz).

Phone & internet

Do

• Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
• Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
• Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Ask permission before taking photographs of people or places of worship;
• It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home;
• In Indonesia, a respectful form of greeting is to bend slightly (not a complete bow), especially when greeting someone older or in a position of authority, while in Malaysia, a traditional form of greeting is a light handshake with both hands (known as salam), although Muslim women may greet men with a nod and smile.

Don’t

• Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
• Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
• Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animals, such as fur or reptile skins, ivory, animal bones or teeth, quills, feathers or beaks of birds and tortoise or turtle shells. These products can threaten local species and encourage trafficking;
• Don’t buy traditional medicines if you are unsure of their origin as many contain wildlife products, and it is illegal to transport them across international borders, even in tablet or capsule form;
• Don’t purchase items containing coral and seashells as these contribute to coral reef depletion and it is forbidden to take coral out of the country without documentation;
• Don’t buy antiques without a certificate of origin from a reputable seller. Proper documentation is always required when transporting antiques out of the country;
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or clothing that is too revealing as Indonesia and Malaysia are conservative countries; make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples;
• Avoid overt public displays of affection;
• Don’t take photos of people or places related to the military as this is a breach of national security;
• Don’t touch people on the head and avoid standing or sitting with your arms crossed or on your hips as this is seen as a sign of hostility;
• Avoid using your index finger to point at things or indicate the direction; use your thumb instead.

Currency

Official currency of Indonesia: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Official currency of Malaysia: Malaysian ringgit (MYR)

In both countries, foreign currency is rarely used for everyday transactions. Cash can be exchanged at banks or exchange bureaus. Please note that in Indonesia, ripped, torn or old US dollar bills will not be accepted.

ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available, although harder to find in more remote areas such as islands and beach destinations.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours in Indonesia are:

• Monday to Friday: 8 am to 3 pm;
• Some exchange bureaus offer extended hours on evenings and weekends.

Usual banking hours in Malaysia are:

• Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 4 pm;
• Some exchange bureaus offer extended hours on evenings and weekends.

Credit cards

Tipping

Domestic flights

Several local and regional airlines in Indonesia and Malaysia offer convenient and fast connections to various cities in Borneo.

Car with driver

Asian Trails supplies modern vehicles with trained drivers to make travel across Borneo seamless.

Taxis

In Indonesia, all registered taxis, minibuses and rental cars have yellow number plates, so they are easy to recognise.

Motorbikes

Motorbikes can be hired at many beach resorts and other towns. It is illegal to ride without a helmet and the standard of vehicle maintenance can vary, so be sure to check brakes and lights before proceeding.

Bajaj

Typically only available in the major cities, these three-wheeled motorised scooters are used in Indonesia and offer a cheap way to get around.

Becaks

Similar to bicycle rickshaws, these pedal-powered vehicles are the cheapest mode of transport in Indonesia and are mostly used for short distances.

Ojeks

Religion

More than 80 per cent of Indonesians are followers of the Islamic faith, with the others being Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. Religious freedom is one of the principal features of Indonesian society.

Malaysia is a multicultural society with Islam as the dominant religion, with 61 per cent of the population adherents of this faith. The constitution guarantees religious freedom for many other faiths and relations between different religious groups are harmonious and tolerant. Christmas, Chinese New Year and Deepavali have all been declared national holidays alongside Islamic holidays. The large Chinese population practices a mixture of beliefs, with influences from traditional religions followed in China, such as Buddhism and Daoism. Hinduism is followed by many of Malaysia’s Indians. Influences from its colonial past will also see many Christians still practicing this religion across the country.

Food

Common local dishes:

• Nasi goreng – fried rice with assorted accompaniments;
• Mie goreng – fried noodles;
• Gado-gado – vegetables topped with peanut sauce and a sliced boiled egg;
• Nasi campur – rice with a variety of side dishes such as corn fritters, vegetable salad, tofu, beef rendang, chicken curry and grilled sate.

Malaysia’s culinary tradition reflects the waves of immigration, settlement and assimilation that brought uniquely delicious flavours from its multicultural Malay, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian population. Primarily consisting of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, Malaysian cuisine also has its hybrids derived from cross cultural influences, such as Mamak (Indian-Muslim) and Nyonya (the Malay-Chinese mix). A Malay meal always revolves around rice, accompanied by curries, fried chicken or fish, vegetable dishes and small portions of condiments, called sambal.

Common local dishes:

• Satay – Delicious, barbecued skewers of marinated chicken, beef or mutton dipped in a peanut sauce;
• Ikan bakar – Fish covered in chilli sauce and grilled in foil over an open flame;
• Nasi lemak – Made with rice cooked in coconut milk and served with fried chicken, prawn crackers, dried anchovies, egg and a dark, sweet chilli sauce.

Shopping

Most towns and cities have a market that are worth visiting for a cultural retail experience. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!)

Below is a list of crafts and products which may be worth buying in Borneo as well as a list of items which should be avoided as they are produced unsustainably or pose a threat to the region’s natural biodiversity.

What to buy:

• Traditional textiles such as Indonesian or Malaysian batik;
• Indonesian silverwork;
• Malaysian pewter ware and brassware;
• Indonesian or Malaysian ceramics and painted tiles;
• Hand-crafted wooden baskets, woodcarvings and paintings;
• Traditional Indonesian puppets and handmade kites.

What not to buy:

• Ivory products – items crafted from elephant tusks
• Tortoiseshell products – items made from the shell of endangered hawksbill turtles
• Living coral – coral that is unsustainably sourced from natural habitats
• Products made from animal parts – items made from the skins of snakes, crocodiles, tigers and other protected species
• Luwak coffee – coffee produced through the exploitation of civet cats or luwaks which are often kept in poor conditions

Vaccinations

• Typhoid;
• Cholera;
• Hepatitis A and B;
• Polio, diphtheria and tetanus;
• Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas).

Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.

Drinking water

Tap water in some parts of Malaysia is potable, but most locals prefer bottled or filtered water. Avoid drinking tap water in Indonesia. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. Ice cubes are usually safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country. Use bottled water for cleaning teeth and cooking.

Safety

• Never leave items unattended;
• Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets;
• Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe;
• Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street.

Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Police 110
• Emergency Medical Services 118
• Fire service 113
• Search and Rescue team 115

MALAYSIA

• All emergencies 999